Marcio Torres Earns Master's Degree

As far back as he can remember Marcio Torres has always loved to attend school and play tennis. This year he realised two lifelong dreams; playing in the main draw of a Grand Slam (Roland Garros doubles with Thiago Alves) and earning his Master’s Degree. In December, Torres became the first ATP player to graduate from the ATP/University of Phoenix Continuing Education Program.

“I came across the opportunity to continue my education after my Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise and Sports Science,” said Torres. “I saw the advertisement on Player Zone and I called Erika (Kegler) to get more information.”

“Through ATP Player Development programs,” stated Kegler, Director of Player Development, “We aim to meet our player members' diverse needs by providing resources and the essential tools necessary to aid them while they are competing on the circuit, as well as prepare them for life away from the game.”

It took Torres a little over two years to obtain the degree, which he graduated with a 3.15 grade point average. Torres, who comes from Belo Horizonte in Brazil, trained at the Minas Tenis Clube with ATP regulars Andre Sa, Daniel Melo, Marcelo Melo, Ricardo Mello and Bruno Soares. Torres has made a habit of graduating early. He left Belo Horizonte at the age of fifteen to study and train in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, where he graduated from high school a year early and then obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree at the University of North Carolina- Greensboro, ahead of schedule.

“I would probably not get a Master’s degree if it was not for the opportunity that the ATP was offering,” admitted Torres. “I was travelling a lot and the cost of the degree was out of my range at the time. I was given a full scholarship by the ATP and I decided to pursue my dream of continuing my education while playing tennis. From a variety of classes such as Business Law, Forces Influencing Business in the 21st Century and Problem-Based Learning, I learned a lot about business and how to implement strategies. This has given me a whole new perspective.”

Currently, the ATP has twenty additional players enrolled at the ATP and University of Phoenix Continuing Education Program. The ATP scholarships provide free tuition and cover all fees.

“I would like to thank the ATP for granting me the scholarship,” says Torres. “All the years of travelling the world playing the tennis tour was an excellent education in itself. Learning to respect other cultures, global awareness and life skills. Now, with a Master’s Degree from University of Phoenix, I feel that I have additional skills to offer.”

Torres was recently employed by Solfire, a sports apparel company based in Miami, as Chief of Operations.

“Marcio brings a consistent positive energy to the company each day,” stated Brendan Murphy, CEO of Solfire. “Marcio has tremendous communication skills and brings people together. As well, he speaks four languages and is a problem solver. All of these skills are valuable when growing a company and an international brand.”